88 – Khalid b. Yazid al-Azdi narrated to me, saying: ʿAbd Allah b. Yaʿqub b. Dawud narrated to me, who said: My father related:

“The caliph al-Mahdi confined me in a well and built a domed structure over it. I remained there fifteen pilgrimage seasons, until a portion of Hārūn al-Rashid’s caliphate had elapsed. Each day they lowered to me a single loaf of bread and a jug of water, and someone would call out the times of prayer.

“When the morning of the tenth of Dhu l-Ḥijjah arrived, a figure came to me in my sleep and recited:

[basīṭ metre]
A Lord took pity on Joseph and drew him forth
 from the pit’s dark floor, though walls enclosed the place.

“I praised Allah and said, ‘Relief has come.’ Yet a full year passed and nothing happened. At the turn of the year that same visitor came again and said:

[ṭawīl metre]
Perhaps the rescue Allah will send is near—
 each day He issues a fresh command to all creation.

“Another year slipped by with no change. Then, after that year, the visitor returned once more and said: ⦗83⦘

[wāfir metre]
Perhaps the anguish that enfolds you now
 will soon be followed by a close relief:
then fear will vanish, captives be set free,
 and the far-flung exile reach his family.

“When dawn broke I was called; I thought it the summons to prayer. Instead, a black rope was let down to me and I was told, ‘Tie it round your waist.’ I did so and they pulled me up. The moment I met the daylight my sight blurred. They led me on until I was presented to al-Rashid. I was told, ‘Greet the Commander of the Believers.’ I said, ‘Peace be upon you, Commander of the Believers, and the mercy and blessings of Allah—al-Mahdi?’ He replied, ‘I am not he.’ I said, ‘Peace be upon you, Commander of the Believers, and the mercy and blessings of Allah—al-Hadi?’ He said, ‘Nor I.’ I said, ‘Peace be upon you, Commander of the Believers, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.’ He said, ‘I am al-Rashid.’ I responded, ‘Al-Rashid!’

“He then said, ‘Yaʿqub b. Dawud, by Allah, no one interceded for you. It was only that last night I carried my little daughter on my shoulders and remembered how you once carried me on yours. I felt compassion for the state you were in, and so I freed you.’ He honoured me and seated me close to him. Afterwards he said, ‘Yahya b. Khalid is keeping his distance from me, as though he fears you will gain the Commander of the Believers’ favour instead of him. I was afraid of his reaction, so I asked leave to perform the pilgrimage, and he granted it.’ Thus he remained in Mecca until he died there.”